Sports

(Photo by Bill Allen/NJ SportAction)

GAME CHANGE: Princeton University mens lacrosse star midfielder Scott MacKenzie fires a shot in action last season. MacKenzie figures to be a key player this spring for Princeton, which is starting a new era as head coach Chris Bates takes over for Hall of Fame coach Bill Tierney after he left Princeton last June to guide the Denver University program. The Tigers get their 2010 season underway when they host Hofstra on February 27.

Bill Alden

Chris Bates knows a lot about the Hofstra University mens lacrosse team.

As the head coach of the Drexel University lax team the last decade, Bates fought annual battles with Hofstra in Colonial Athletic Association play.

But as the new head coach of the Princeton University mens lacrosse team, Bates has a lot to learn about the eighth-ranked Tigers as they get ready for their season opener on February 27 against visiting Hofstra.

Bill Alden

Princeton Day school boys hockey senior captain Brooks Herr was restless Sunday evening on the eve of the Mercer County Tournament championship game.

With PDS having fallen in the MCT title game the last two years, Herr was hoping history wouldnt repeat itself when the third-seeded Panthers faced ninth-seeded Princeton High in this years championship game.

Bill Alden

Although the Princeton High boys swimming team beat Lawrence High handily in regular season action, Andrew Gallagher and his teammates werent about to take things for granted when they faced the Cardinals last Friday in the Public B Central Jersey sectional finals.

We were confident but Coach [Greg] Hand told us that the most dangerous thing is to be complacent, said PHS senior captain Andrew Gallagher. We were excited and we went all out.

The top-seeded Little Tigers took care of business in rousing fashion, cruising to a 99-71 victory over No. 3 Lawrence at the North Brunswick High pool as they won their second straight sectional crown.

Bill Alden

Sweat was rolling down his face and his t-shirt was soaked but Dean DiTosto wasnt drained.

The junior defenseman and co-captain of the Princeton High boys hockey team was a bundle of energy after the ninth-seeded Little Tigers upset No. 1 Hopewell Valley 3-2 last Wednesday in the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals.

Grinning and speaking in staccato bursts, DiTosto was a picture of joy as he reflected on the triumph.